PARENTS
The Science Behind Postnatal Depression in Dads
Yes, dads get postnatal depression, too. Learn what is behind this new-father phenomenon.
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Happiest Baby Staff
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ELTERN WAHL
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PARENTS
Geschrieben von
Happiest Baby Staff
DIESEN ARTIKEL TEILEN
Bestseller
Postnatal depression is often attributed to the inevitable decline in pregnancy hormones that occurs after childbirth. But there is a gaping hole in that theory: Fathers and same-sex supporting parents face nearly the same risks for postnatal depression as their pregnant partners, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In fact, research shows that between 3 and 6 months postnatal, up to 25% of new fathers experience paternal depression. So, if pregnancy hormones are not to blame, what is behind this wave of new-dad depression? Here, we examine the science of male postnatal depression and offer some research-backed ways to tackle the problem head on.
While paternal perinatal depression (PPD) is not yet classified as an official diagnosable psychiatric disorder, it is widely understood that PPD is when a new father experiences changes in mood and functionality within the first year after a baby is born, adopted, or added to the family. Paternal postnatal depression is sometimes referred to as paternal depression, male postnatal depression, or male postpartum depression.
The signs and symptoms of postnatal depression in dads are not exactly the same as what a new mum would experience. Here are some of the common signs that a new father is experiencing paternal depression:
There are a variety of biological, psychological, and situational reasons a new dad may experience depression after welcoming a new baby into the family. Beyond a personal or family history of depression or other mental illness, here are some factors that may cause postnatal depression in dads:
We all know that mums-to-be experience an uptick in hormone production during pregnancy, and then a subsequent dip after birth. But you may now know that expecting and new dads deal with hormone fluctuations, too. Dads-to-be and new fathers often experience a decrease in testosterone, which is thought to help boost father-child bonds. However, low testosterone levels have also been directly linked to symptoms of depression in men.
Postnatal depression is, in a way, contagious. Maternal postnatal depression is the “strongest direct predictor” of paternal postnatal depression. Moreover, it is been suggested that maternal depression increases the risk of paternal postnatal depression and anxiety by more than threefold. No matter who is suffering from postnatal depression, it can have a ripple effect, causing emotional strain for everyone close to a new baby.
Even though it seems like a no-brainer that a lack of sleep takes a toll on your mood, experts note that most new parents underestimate the pivotal role a lack of sleep can play in developing symptoms of depression. A 2021 report out of McGill University in Montreal found that poor perceived sleep quality among dads was clearly linked to an increase of severe depressive symptoms six months after birth. This was especially true for first-time fathers. Sleeping and crying issues with the baby can also increase the odds that a new dad will experience postnatal depression. (Did you know SNOO is the only infant sleep system shown to increase sleep by up to 2 hours each night?)
A new dad can feel intense pressure around finance, career, and other stereotypical gender roles once they are in the position to provide for their growing family. This phenomenon is called masculine gender role stress (MGRS) and research in the American Journal of Men’s Health suggests it increases vulnerability to both anxiety and depression in fatherhood.
Not having that all-important village to help with the baby impacts everyone! A 2021 meta-analysis found that fathers with low levels of perceived support were twice as likely to develop depression compared with dads who reported higher levels of support.
The new practical skills and coping skills that go hand-in-hand with becoming a dad can be overwhelming to say the least. Research shows that when new dads have what is dubbed “low parenting self-efficacy” they are far more susceptible to paternal postnatal depressive symptoms. Translation: When new dads lack confidence in their ability to be an effective dad, they are at risk for new-dad depression. (Brush up on the 5 S’s for soothing babies before your baby arrives.)
In general, mums tend to bond more quickly with their baby than dads. Studies indicate that most fathers enter parenthood expecting an immediate emotional bond with their newborns, but it can take up to two months for some dads to connect. That delay contrasted with the seemingly easy bond between mother and child can make new dads feel like a third wheel, which breeds depressive feelings.
Dads tend to be especially reluctant to seek help for their postnatal depression. Many are too harried to prioritize their mental health. Their sleep deprivation can make it difficult to think clearly about their own needs. Plus, some dads and partners believe only the parent who gave birth deserves help. That is unfortunate, because when dads ignore their own mental health needs their depressive symptoms can worsen—and impact the whole family.
On the flip side, reducing new-dad depression can increase emotionally sensitive, responsive parenting, attachment, and support new parents’ relationships, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics. And it can also buffer the potential negative impact on your kiddo. A 2023 study in JAMA Network Open found that the children of dads with postnatal paternal depression have a 42% higher chance of developing depression themselves. Another study indicates that babies of depressed dads are more likely to lash out in their preschool years. In fact, paternal depression when a baby is 1 year old was associated with up to 18% more aggressive and delinquent behaviors at age 5.
Postnatal depression in dads is understudied (and undiagnosed), which means there are no randomized, controlled trials designed to evaluate treatments for new dads suffering with PPD...yet! But there are strategies that can offer relief. Paternal postnatal depression treatment can include cognitive behavioral therapy (either in-person or online) and/or medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). In addition, the following have shown to help ease symptoms as well:
Haftungsausschluss: Die Informationen auf unserer Website sind KEINE medizinischen Ratschläge für eine bestimmte Person oder einen bestimmten Zustand. Sie sind lediglich als allgemeine Informationen gedacht. Wenn Sie medizinische Fragen und Bedenken bezüglich Ihres Kindes oder Ihrer eigenen Gesundheit haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an Ihren Gesundheitsdienstleister. Muttermilch ist die beste Quelle der Ernährung für Babys. Es ist wichtig, dass Mütter in Vorbereitung auf das Stillen und währenddessen eine gesunde, ausgewogene Ernährung zu sich nehmen. Die Kombination von Stillen und Flaschenernährung in den ersten Lebenswochen kann die Muttermilchversorgung verringern und die Entscheidung, nicht zu stillen, ist schwer rückgängig zu machen. Wenn Sie sich entscheiden, Säuglingsnahrung zu verwenden, sollten Sie die Anweisungen sorgfältig befolgen.
